By Chizoba Njaka
The Anambra State Police Command has commenced intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, concluding discussions with Civil Society Organisations on a refresher training programme for police personnel and other security agencies.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Sept. 25, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. According to the statement, the proposed training is aimed at strengthening the professional competence, operational readiness and understanding of security personnel regarding their responsibilities before, during and after electoral activities.
The course will cover key areas including professionalism, human rights, democratic policing, conflict prevention and management, crowd control, communication, community engagement and election security. It will also emphasise the need for security personnel to carry out their duties lawfully, impartially and professionally.
CP Oji Ama said effective election security depends on personnel who are adequately prepared for operational duties and properly grounded in professionalism, neutrality, respect for fundamental rights and accountability. He stressed that continuous training and professional development were necessary as the command begins early preparations for the 2027 elections. The initiative, according to the statement, is part of the command’s wider strategy to strengthen institutional preparedness, prevent election-related violence and provide a secure environment where citizens can exercise their civic responsibilities without fear or intimidation.
In a related development, the commissioner held a strategic security meeting with the command’s senior management team, Area Commanders and Tactical Commanders to review the security situation across the state and assess the operational readiness of the command. The meeting examined emerging security threats, intelligence gathering and utilisation, visibility patrols, surveillance, rapid response, crime prevention, community policing and collaboration among security agencies.
The CP directed Area and Tactical Commanders to strengthen intelligence-led policing within their areas of responsibility, improve the collection, analysis and timely use of actionable intelligence, sustain lawful patrols and surveillance, and respond promptly to distress calls and emerging security threats. He also charged commanders to maintain effective command presence and supervision, regularly assess security developments in their jurisdictions and ensure that personnel remained properly deployed and responsive to the needs of residents.
The commissioner warned that the command would not tolerate extortion, corruption, human rights abuses, unlawful detention, harassment of members of the public or other acts capable of damaging the credibility of the Police and weakening public confidence.
He therefore directed Area and Tactical Commanders to enforce discipline and accountability while taking responsibility for the conduct and performance of personnel under their command.
CP Oji Ama further called for stronger intelligence-based engagement with traditional rulers, town unions, youth organisations, civil society groups, religious bodies, community leaders and other stakeholders, noting that effective policing depends on public trust, timely information and strong partnerships with communities. The commissioner described security as a collective responsibility and urged the police, other security agencies, government institutions, community structures and residents to strengthen cooperation in maintaining peace and security across Anambra State.
He assured residents that the command would continue to improve its operational capacity, enhance police visibility and response, and strategically deploy available resources to protect lives and property, maintain public order and prevent criminal and violent activities.
CP Oji Ama reiterated the command’s commitment to professional, people-centred, intelligence-led and community-based policing, adding that preparations for the 2027 general elections would continue through regular training, strategic coordination, intelligence development, operational readiness and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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